Wanting Reed (Break Me) BOOK 2 (17 page)

“Fuck that.”

“We’ll see.” I grin. “I’ve lived the life,” I say, checking out the line that is snaking out the door and out onto the patio. “Shit, people love their ice cream,” I mumble.

“God, this fucking place is insane,” Luke moans, “but I need me some fucking peanut butter ice cream in a bad way.”

“Yeah, I’m going to try something different tonight.” I picture Elle with chocolate ice cream still on her lips. I decide not to have vanilla, but chocolate. Yes, I’m gonna have three scoops of chocolate.

Two weeks have flown by. I had to cut back my hours at the center to focus on my studies. Eventually, I may have to take a leave of absence. It’s the middle of September, and classes are taking up all my time. My brain is consumed with organic chemistry and biology. I don’t need any distractions though. Tyler comes by to check on me, and we study together since his classes are kicking his ass, too. I always welcome him as a distraction.

My new sofa has become my study space, and my comfy pink Victoria’s Secret sweats and gray T-shirt have become my school uniform. Cups of coffee and Oreos are now my two major food groups. I haven’t had time to do much else, not even run, but I need to soon. Maybe I need to run right now after eating too many of these damn Oreos.

A couple of gentle taps and muffled voices from behind the door distract me from my studying. I didn’t expect anybody as I glance at the clock, and Tyler wasn’t coming by until later.

“Who is it?” I call out as I throw a pen into my chemistry book to save my spot.

“Me.”

Hearing my brother’s voice makes me smile because I haven’t seen him since he helped me moved in. Eagerly hopping off the sofa, I skip across the room and open the door in a flourish to find my brother standing in the hallway with a pretty girl. She’s petite with brown, shoulder-length, straight hair and brown eyes. She’s wearing rectangular-framed glasses and a pair of faded jeans and blue plaid shirt. This is an interesting development since my brother had a no attachment rule when he began classes at Boston College. He said he wanted no drama, but it looks like he’s broken that rule. I lift my eyebrow in jest, eyeing him up and down before I let him enter. He’s dressed in a pair of loose-fitting jeans and a great T-shirt that shows off his athletic build. My brother will have no problem when it comes to dating in college, which is very evident in seeing him with his new female companion.

“Hey, Sis.” He grins, giving me a kiss on the cheek. “Can we come in?” he asks, looking past me with a raised eyebrow.

“Sure, are you going to introduce your friend?” I ask, smiling over at her.

“This is Brooke. We just got finished with our study group.” He glances over at her as he continues to pace through my apartment. “Just thought we’d stop by and see how you were doing.”

“Nice to meet you.” I smile.

“Same here,” she responds as she stands in the living room, clutching the straps of her red backpack.

“Oh, and I’m fine, Jace,” I say, watching my brother snoop around my apartment and quickly making a beeline to the kitchen. “Stop acting like the Secret Service.”

“Cut it, Elle,” he huffs as he opens the fridge and grabs a couple of bottled waters. “You don’t mind do you, Sis?” he asks as he holds them up and closes the refrigerator with his foot.

“Of course not. Make yourself at home.” I smirk. He takes a seat on the couch. Glancing over at Brooke, he pats the seat next to him and she eagerly sits down.

“We’re not going to stay long,” he says as he hands Brooke the water. “So, where’s Tyler?”

“He should be coming over soon to study. Why?” I raise my eyebrows, suspicious of my brother’s motives.

“Just asking,” he says as I meet his telling eyes.

Something is off. I can tell by the expression on his face and the way he sits forward on the sofa. He’s scratching his head, like he wants to tell me something important or he’s hiding something from me. I can’t push or press him, not when he’s brought a friend with him. He knows I won’t do that. I wonder if he planned it this way, bringing Brooke so he can check to make sure everything is in order and then leave once he is sure I am fine.

I jump when my phone violently vibrates on the kitchen counter. I scan the text from Tyler and peek over at Jace.

“Tyler?” he inquires, nodding his chin with an inquisitive grin.

“Yeah,” I reply, lowering my head so that I can respond to his text.

Tyler: Be over in ten and dress casual.

Elle: Why? What do you have up your sleeve?

Tyler: It’s a surprise.

Elle: Now I’m worried.

Tyler. Don’t worry you’re gonna love it. TRUST ME.

Elle: You’re scaring me.

Tyler: LOL. I’ll be there soon.

“I’m out,” Jace says as he rises from the couch. “You’re coming by mom’s tomorrow, right?”

“Yes. Yes,” I affirm with a nod.

“Okay, we’ll talk then.”

“You should stop by more often,” I suggest, punching his arm as I walk Brooke and him to the door.

“I plan on it,” he responds, turning to me with a sweet smile. He hugs me tightly. “I miss you at home, Sis,” he whispers as he kisses me on the cheek.

Tears pool in my eyes as I return his hug. “I miss your crazy, overprotective ass, too.” I laugh as I pull away.

“I love my job.”

“I love you, little brother.”

“Ready?”

“Why are you always rushing me?” I yell from my bedroom. Tyler said casual dress, so I change into a pair of skinny jeans and a beige silk top with my hair loose around my shoulders.

“Why do you always have to make me wait?” he moans.

“I can’t win with you, can I?” I walk out of my bedroom and into the living room where Tyler is lounging on the sofa. I like the fact that he’s so comfortable with me. Tyler’s expression is priceless as his eyes hover over me, so I strike a pose, throwing my hand on my hips.

“Are you happy now?” I flirt.

“More than happy.” He rises from the couch to stand in front of me. “I should stop complaining and give you all the time you need, which isn’t much.” He smirks, eyeing me without shame as he touches my silk top.

“So, I pass, Mister?” I say, lifting my chin to meet his gaze.

“Hmm... flying colors as always.” He winks, grabbing my hand. “Come on. We’re gonna be late for dinner, and I’ve got something to show you,” he says excitedly as we exit the apartment.

I’m no more than two steps out my front door when I gasp in shock.

“A motorcycle?” I breathe, peering at Tyler.

“Yeah, isn’t she a beauty?” he questions, unable to fight the grin that spreads across his face.

The bike is intimidating, jet black with red and orange flames trailing down both sides and gleaming silver spokes on the wheels. It’s definitely a work of art, showcasing sleek and perfect lines. Both dangerous and beautiful at the same time. Powerful.

“How did you afford this?” I crinkle my brow, looking at him like he’s crazy.

“Remember when I picked up all those extra hours at the center over the summer?” He shrugs with an impish grin.

“Yes,” I say, clearly surprised by his latest purchase.

“That and my dad pitched in a few bucks,” he answers, admiring his new toy.

“A few?” I raise an eyebrow.

“Okay, maybe one-third. It’s my birthday present from him,” he says as he walks over and grabs his helmet off the seat. I notice a second helmet on the back rail, and I get anxious. “Sweet, huh?”

“So, where’s your Jeep?” I ask, looking up and down the street. I already know his answer, but I hope I’m wrong.

“I still have my Jeep. It’s just you, me and my new bike today.” He winks, handing me the second helmet. “This is yours.”

“No, Tyler.” I cringe, taking a step back.

“Stop it, Elle. I won’t let anything happen to you.” He closes the space between us. “Plus, I’ve always had this fantasy of you riding with me on the back of a bike.”

“Lucky I trust you,” I moan as I snatch the helmet from him. “Fantasy,” I mutter under my breath, wondering why I’m even considering hopping onto this bike.

“Hey, I like this feistiness in you.” He leans down to brush away the hair that has blown across my face. “I don’t mean to be hasty or anything, but can I get an early birthday present?” he whispers, not breaking our gaze.

“It depends on what it is.”

“I’ll let you guess.”

“Hint, please.” I smile flirtatiously.

“You seem to enjoy them as much as I do.”

“Really. What could that be?”

“I’ll show you.” He leans in closer, brushing his lips over mine and reminding me how much I do like kissing him.

The smell in the kitchen is amazing as I grab some napkins and silverware from the drawer. I lost my appetite riding on the back of Tyler’s motorcycle, but now it’s returned with a vengeance, compliments of the smells coming from the kitchen.

“Where did you learn how to cook?” I ask, watching Karlie pull out a pot roast from the oven while I set the table. She has prepared a spinach salad with beets and cucumbers, rice pilaf, steamed broccoli and fresh bread. I’m tempted to go over and nibble, but I refrain. I’m a notorious picker, so I’m not sure how much longer I can wait to eat.

“I took classes at the California Culinary Academy. Cooking has always been my thing.”

“Maybe you can teach me a few things now that I live on my own.”

“Sure, I can teach you the basics. I improvise a lot and make my own originals. I don’t need Rachael Ray or that Giada chick to show me how to cook. I’ve got my own ideas. ”

“Well, Travis’ mom Karen would have loved you.”

“Travis talks about her a lot. They were really close, weren’t they?”

“Yes, she was great,” I reply as I continue to set the table. I love being here with Tyler and his family. It’s what I needed. “So, what about you? Do you have family in California?”

Karlie looks up from cooking and smiles meekly. “No, Florida.” Her curt answer speaks volumes as she returns her attention to the pot roast. I understand that we all carry baggage; I have my own and don’t push the topic with her.

“Babe, when are we gonna eat?” Travis walks into the kitchen and grabs a cold beer from the fridge. He leans over the roast and inhales deeply. “Damn, that smells good, babe.”

“Thanks, baby.” She kisses him as he wraps his arms around her waist.

“You’re so sexy in an apron.” He laughs over her lips. “Do you remember that time...”

“Umm, we’re not alone.” Karlie peeks over at me.

I smile and return my attention to setting the table as Tyler walks in carrying a couple of empty beer bottles.

“Dude, unnecessary PDA. Save it for later,” he groans, putting the empty bottles on the counter.

“Shit, relax, bro.” Travis smacks Karlie’s ass as he reluctantly pulls away from her lips. “We’re all adults here, and I know for sure everyone in this room has gotten past first base.”

Travis glances between Tyler and me, and Karlie does the same, like we’re watching a tennis match. I’m not really sure why, but it makes me uncomfortable. Do they know something? Did Tyler say something? He wouldn’t. I know my relationship with Tyler has changed slightly over the past couple of weeks, but we’re still the same, possibly better.